James M. Cain's 1941 novel gets a new adaptation, courtesy of filmmaker Todd Haynes (
Far From Heaven) and HBO, which is airing the gripping five-part miniseries over three consecutive Sunday evenings. Kate Winslet plays the prideful title character over the course of 10 years, from her beginnings as a divorcee during the Great Depression to her career as a restaurateur, as she attempts to improve her own life and that of her supercilious daughter Veda (played by Morgan Turner and, later, by Evan Rachel Wood). Mildred is also looking for independence, including sexual liberation, but she discovers that she's trapped by society's expectations. The sumptuous and heartbreaking miniseries—which is a more faithful adaptation than the 1945 Joan Crawford film (there's no salacious murder plot here as in the film)—also stars Guy Pearce, Melissa Leo, James LeGros, Hope Davis, Mare Winningham, and Brian F. O'Bryne. (Launches March 27 at 9 p.m.)